### **Ship Class:** *Speranza Avanzata* ("Advanced Hope") ### **Visual Profile:** A sleek, purposeful hybrid between a deep-hulled caravel and a elongated cog. It looks fast even at rest. --- ### **1. Hull Structure (Key Visual Features)** - **Bow:** A distinctive **"wave-cutter"** profile. The stem curves sharply forward at the keel, forming a subtle reverse angle like a Viking *karve*, designed to pierce waves. - **Hull Lines:** A sharp, **"V"-shaped forward section** that transitions to a full, **"U"-shaped aft section**. The planking is **carvel-built** (smooth-hulled). - **Stern:** A high, **rounded sterncastle** with a **knuckle-shaped transom**. Above it, a **long, sweeping tiller** arcs forward to the whipstaff. - **Lateral Feature:** Two massive **oak leeboards** are visible amidships, one lowered on the windward side, secured by heavy chains and timber braces. - **Oar Ports:** A single line of 10 **square oar ports** on the lower deck, each sealed with a hinged, leather-flapped cover. ### **2. Sail & Rigging (Four-Masted Rig)** - **Masts:** Four masts, raked slightly aft. From bow to stern: Fore, Main, Mizzen, and *Bonaventure* (a shorter fourth mast at the stern edge). - **Sails:** Fore & Main masts carry large, **rectangular square sails** with **multiple horizontal rows of reef points** (visible lines). Mizzen & Bonaventure carry **triangular lateen sails** on long, angled yards. - **Cruising Configuration:** Sails are set but not fully drawn. The square sails See more